The Outsourcing Research Council

The Outsourcing Research Council is a consortium of leading companies committed to outsourcing as an important management tool.  These are the companies with which Mr. Corbett works most closely to identify the field’s mega-trends and top drivers as well as its best and next practices.  Members are from customer and provider organizations as well as other industry participants and influencers. 

The Council provides members with access to the latest research and thinking on the subject as well as knowledge sharing across the member organizations.

Council Research

Each year, the Council undertakes three major studies.

The first is the annual Strategic Outsourcing Study.  This study examines the latest global trends and drivers of outsourcing through a survey of executives from around the world.  The 2002 Strategic Outsourcing Study is currently being conducted with results to be presented later this year.

The second study focuses on best practices in specific aspects of outsourcing.  Previous studies have looked at best practices in managing the outsourcing relationship, in managing public perception of outsourcing and in managing outsourcing at the customer interface.  The 2002 study, Best Practices in Managing the People Impact of Outsourcing, is producing an executive guide for using outsourcing to enhance both the organization and its ability to create opportunities for employees.

The third study varies in focus from year-to-year depending upon the interests of the members and areas of new industry impact.  One area the council is currently focusing on is the emerging importance of operational excellence in outsourcing and ways that customers and providers can build better execution into their relationships.

Council Meetings

The council meets three times per year.  Meetings are hosted by the Council members on a rotating basis.

The arrival afternoon is devoted to topics of particular interest to the hosting organization followed by a networking dinner.  The next full day is devoted to current research findings and invited guest speakers.  Invited speakers and topics at 2002 Council meetings have included:

Stuart Kliman, Director, Vantage Partners, LLC, Building Institutional Capability to Manage Outsourced Relationships

Mark Dzialga, Partner, General Atlantic Partners, Commercialization through Business Process Outsourcing

Rick Julien, Partner, Andersen, Outsourcing Strategy: Managing Strategic Risk

Dr. Elaine Hyder, Systems Scientist, Carnegie Mellon University, The eServices Capability Model: Enabling Competitive Advantage for Service Providers

Elizabeth Fox, Vice President, Managed Services Support, Xerox Corporation, Operational Excellence in Managed Services

Council Benefits

In addition to Council research and member meetings, participating organizations also receive:

- Two seats to each of three events in The Outsourcing World Summit Conference Series

- Special programming and networking sessions at these events

- Advance copies of other research studies and reports produced by Michael F. Corbett &
  Associates

- A subscription to Outsourcing Insights, including participation in four annual Web conferences
  and unlimited company subscriptions to the outsourcing information portal - Firmbuilder.com

- Direct telephone access to Mr. Corbett for consultation, advice and network development

Council Members

Participation in The Outsourcing Research Council is specifically designed for executives with outsourcing leadership responsibility from across a wide spectrum of industries, private and public organizations, customers and suppliers. The Council strives for membership that is balanced and that supports the overall business interests of its members. 

Up to two individuals from each member firm can attend each Council meeting.  Members hosting Council meetings may invite additional guests.

Click here for membership information.